Building a Jewelry Wardrobe

Building a jewelry wardrobe involves investing in a few basic pieces of jewelry to ensure a polished look, regardless of the outfit or occasion. These key pieces of jewelry are equivalent to the basic clothing required for a minimal wardrobe.

Reflect your individuality

The basic jewelry you pick out must be versatile enough to go with every outfit. For this, it is essential that you pick out designs that suit both your personality and your lifestyle.

A second factor to take into consideration is comfort. In order to project confidence and style, comfort is a must. So while looks are certainly important, practical needs are essential too.

Know yourself

Beginning a fine jewelry collection can be a little intimidating and overwhelming. Having a clear understanding of your own style can help navigate through the many decisions you will, no doubt, face in this process. Do you tend to lean towards the quirky or non-traditional? Or do you prefer the classics? Knowledge is power – especially about your own tastes.

It’s also helpful to pay attention to the compliments you receive from other people as it offers perspective into the kind of styles that look good on you.

When you are just beginning to invest in a high-end jewelry collection, it’s recommended that you start with classic shapes, colors, and styles. These pieces work as a good foundation for you to build on over the years. In time you can add pieces that bring versatility in terms of unique colors and finishes. Most importantly, focus on longevity. Good quality jewelry that’s intertwined with pleasant memories is a treasure that will be valued for years.

Custom Earrings: The Gift that Suits Every Occasion

Custom-made earrings can be a lovely gift to show you care. They offer versatility and can be designed to suit virtually anyone. Whether you decide on large statement pieces or more subtle delicate designs, custom earrings add instant style to any outfit. This jewelry box staple can also be a fantastic gift to yourself!

Before you buy

The most important things to determine before settling on a specific design are the face shape and personal preferences of the wearer. Next, select the materials that best fit in your budget. You are now fully equipped to design a unique pair of earrings.

Style of earrings

1) Stud earrings: The smallest style of earrings, studs can either be simple gemstones or an intricate metal design. These earrings go with practically every outfit.

2) Drop earrings: These earrings go well with evening wear and other special outing events. Drop earrings have to potential to be both regal and ostentatious, depending on the design you choose.

3) Hoop earrings: Perfect with low neck tops and turtlenecks, these earrings take center stage. You can choose from either round, oval, square, and heart-shape styles. The size of these earrings can vary too, depending on whether you like small earrings that hug the earlobe or large ones that brush the chin.

Instead of hunting through an array of mass produced jewelry, make your loved one feel special with custom-made earrings. They offer a one-of-a-kind look that anyone would appreciate, making them an excellent choice for birthdays, baptisms, graduation, and anniversary celebrations. At Motif Jewels we put our clients’ stories in the forefront. We understand that jewelry can be a powerful statement to express emotion.

A Promise to Love Forever

Pam looked at the boxes around her. She was going to lose her mind sorting through the remnants of their home. As it is, she was having a difficult time getting used to the idea that she and Andrew would soon be separating.

She had met Andrew at university; they’d fallen madly in love, and married a few months after graduation. Yet, once married, they had allowed themselves to get caught up in every day concerns that pulled them away from each other. Her heart twisted at the realization that they were now strangers to each other. They both agreed that they had drifted too far apart over the years. But was it really too late for them to try and make things work once more?

Something glittered in the corner. Pam walked towards it and gasped as she recognized the forgotten trinket. It was an infinity pendant that Andrew had given her one Christmas, when they were still madly in love. He’d said that every time she wore it, it would remind them to thank God for the special love they had found in each other. Maybe she hadn’t worn it often enough.

As she brought the chain up to fasten around her neck, she caught sight of Andrew. He was standing at the door with a strange expression on his face. She immediately felt foolish for having abandoned her practical ways and given in to sentimentality. But before she could think of something flippant to say, he walked up to her and fastened the chain around her neck. “I want to make things work too,” he said.

Pam looked up at him, “You don’t think our relationship is beyond repair?”

“Even if it is, I think we have something that is worth repairing.”

Hope filled Pam’s heart as she stepped into her husband’s arms, and they renewed their commitment to one another.

Gifting Personalized Jewelry

A lot of people incorrectly assume that “custom-designed jewelry” equals “expensive jewelry”.  But this is not necessarily true. It just means that the piece of jewelry you are looking for is not yet shown in the display case. In fact, most display cases are only a sample of what is possible in the hands of the particular designer.

Going beyond words

Engravings on a wedding band or engagement ring are definitely a proven way to add extra meaning to the moment. But you do not have to restrict yourself to a secret message carved into metal. Why not have the entire ring molded into a special setting or style in a symbol reflective of your partner’s personality or tastes?

Making it extra special

When you are not quite ready to propose but still want your significant other to know how much you value their presence in your life, customized jewelry is the way to go. The wonderful thing about customized jewelry is the versatility it offers. It allows you to create a meaningful gift for anyone who is special to you, no matter the occasion. Perhaps your daughter would adore a pearl necklace set in gold in a specific design? Or maybe your boyfriend would appreciate birthstone cufflinks? All you have to do is pay attention to the things that they already value.

At Motif Jewels we understand that jewelry has the potential to be a powerful medium of expression. Customizing a piece of jewelry that you plan on giving someone is a simple gesture that says you put in the extra effort and thought in creating a symbol of love that you hope they will cherish for life.

Selecting an Engagement Ring

Nowadays many couples use a temporary ring for the proposal and buy the actual engagement ring together. However, if you are the traditional sort you may prefer to surprise your significant other with both a romantic proposal and an engagement ring they will adore.  

The style of the ring  

Deciding on a ring setting and shape of the gemstone is, perhaps, the most difficult part of selecting a ring. A good way to determine your partner’s preference is to think about the kind of clothes, furniture, and art that they appreciate. Their favorite interests and hobbies may also clue you in on whether they would appreciate a ring that is glamorous, modern, classic, vintage, or a combination of different styles. The specifics: gemstones and metal

Nearly 90% of all engagement rings have a center diamond. The second most popular gemstone selected for engagement rings is sapphire. These two gemstones are, by far, the safest choice when in doubt.

The most popular diamond shape is round. Second to the round-cut are the princess cut and cushion cut, as per market statistics. 

In terms of popular metals, the most common choices are white gold and platinum. Platinum is especially popular among couples who hope to pass down their ring through the generations as an heirloom.  

This being said, it is important to remember that although many classic engagement rings feature a round diamond solitaire set in platinum, your partner may want something more unique. Do some reconnaissance for a few weeks to get a clear idea of their personal style. And if you still aren’t sure, meet an experienced jeweler for guidance. You will be surprised by the valuable insight a designer has – even based on seemingly obscure details such as your girlfriend’s love for autumn, or her obsession with Zooey Deschanel’s outfits!

Christmas Joy

Anna hummed as she pulled out a batch of cookies from the oven. The smell of warm chocolate chip cookies filled the air, drawing Anna’s husband, Adam, into the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, but you can only have one,” Anna informed him. “The Sunday school children are coming carol singing in a while. Plus, we’re having lentil roast for dinner. You don’t want to spoil your appetite, do you?”

“Sneaky woman,” he laughed. Anna smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling, “I love you too. Now, would you please help me put the cookies into jars? I’d like to clean up the kitchen and have a quick shower before the carolers arrive.”

Anna was happy with how her day had been. She had finally found the perfect present for her nephew, with Adam’s help, and had managed to get a good amount of Christmas baking done as well.

The sound of Silent Night drew her into the family room. She marveled at the cozy room bathed in light from the twinkling Christmas tree. Adam was lighting pine scented candles. He turned as she entered.

“My heart feels as though it may burst any moment, Adam” Anna whispered. He reached for her hand and drew her towards the Christmas tree they had decorated together, “I love you, Anna. I am so lucky to have you.”

She gasped when he slid the sparkling emerald ring onto her finger, “Is this my Christmas present?” Adam laughed, “Must I have an occasion to tell you how special you are to me?”

When she looked back at him wonderingly, he explained, “You brighten my life. I want you to have this ring to remember that, when I’m not around to say the words.” Anna snuggled into his arms, “I love you.”

A November Surprise

“Would you like to come over?” Nora asked her boyfriend, Mark, over the phone. “I thought we could go out for a walk. It’s such a beautiful afternoon!”

After the walk they would carry up blankets to her roof and watch the stars while sipping mugs of hot chocolate, Nora imagined. It was a good thing they lived in warm California where the evening air would create just the right amount of coziness, without freezing them.

“I wish I could, but I still have a lot of work to get done.” Mark replied, dampening Nora’s fantasy.

For the past few weeks Mark had been distant, too busy to spend time with Nora the way he used to. She sighed. Maybe she would go on that walk alone. Then she would drop him a visit to see exactly what was going on.

A few hours later Nora stood outside Mark’s apartment determined to get to the bottom of this situation. She didn’t know what to expect. She certainly didn’t expect to see Mark’s ecstatic smile at her unexpected arrival. Was he expecting her?

Her eyes widened as she took in the glowing tea light candles, the smooth jazz softly playing in the background, and the lovely aroma from the kitchen.

Mark drew her close, “I love you, Nora. You are the most precious gift I could ever have. Will you marry me?” Nora smiled and nodded quickly, her eyes bright with emotion.

“How did you know I would come here tonight?” Nora looked up. Mark kissed her nose, “Let’s just say I know you well.”

When Mark slipped on the gorgeous diamond ring he whispered that he would never stop loving her. The diamond sparkled in the warm light of Mark’s apartment, a promise that true love was here to stay.